The Best Dogs and Co.

09/13/2023

02/08/2023

Dr. David Mech, the biologist who popularized the "alpha" theory, has spent recent years attempting to STOP the publication of the book that details his initial research on wolves, and has a website dedicated to explaining why his initial research was incorrect. There is no such thing as an "alpha" dog, nor are they trying to dominate humans.

01/25/2023

01/15/2023

Free Advice for Adopters & Puppy Parents webinar! Learn how to make life with your new dog easier and more fun!

On Sun Jan 15 at 2pm ET, come hear trainer Angie Madden, CPDT-KA, CCUI, DogSpeak, LLC discuss dog training and behavior and many common issues that new dog parents face.

Although designed for new dog and puppy parents, this webinar will also help those of you who have lived with your dog longer.

Potential adopters and foster dog parents are also welcome!

Register at YourDogsFriend.org/free-workshops

12/28/2022

If your neighborhood is anything like mine, there will be celebrations ringing in 2023.

Make sure your celebrations don't turn tragic and prepare your pets for the chaos!



[image description: bursts of firework color cover the background. Text reads "'tis the season to be prepared! Check collars for fit. Check tags for correct info. Update your pets' microchip. Stop up on puzzle toys and tasty treats. Speak with your vet about event medication. Stuff and freeze food toys. Fireworks are coming!"]

12/16/2022

12/04/2022

It has been the privilege of my life to care for Noodle these past 7 years. The sweetest man there has ever been and will ever be. ❤️

11/28/2022

Most animals thrive when their lives are predictable. When they know what to expect and how to achieve their goals, and when their expectations match their reality, there’s no need for them to worry. Their anxiety diminishes. That’s why predictability is one of the seven domains of the Behavior Vets’ Resilience Rainbow. 🌈

Since our pets thrive on predictability, we like to use Pattern Games when helping dogs acclimate to environments and situations.

Pattern Games are designed to do two things:

👉 They create a strong reinforcement history for a particular behavior or series of behaviors.

👉 Patterns create predictability in environments that can be unpredictable, thereby helping to reduce anxiety.

Trainer Leslie McDevitt 🦄, has gifted the world with many Pattern Games, including the "1-2-3 Game." It can look like a ‘walking game.’

What you'll need:

✅️ Treats
✅️ Calm low-distraction space
✅️ A leash for going outside

Step One:
✅️ Say "three", and then immediately deliver a treat.
✅️ Repeat several times.

Step Two:
✅️ Next, build a chain by saying, ''two, three,” then immediately deliver a treat.
✅️Repeat several times.

Step Three:
✅️ Say, "one, two, three", then immediately deliver a treat.

Step Four:
✅️ Try practicing in a slightly more distracting environment. We recommend starting in the backyard.

There are many applications to this game. This is just an introduction as to how to teach the game. The 1-2-3 Game can be played with a variety of animal species, including cats and horses!

08/10/2022

NEW BLOG POST

When Your Best Friend Bites
By: Jess Feliciano CDBC

Tiptoeing around teeth in your own home isn’t exactly what someone expects when they acquire a dog. The fundamental age-old idea of having a dog is like having a best friend. But what happens when your best friend displays aggression towards you?

Read more here https://bit.ly/3P6Q4Bv